George Washington: First President Under the Constitution

Who was the first President? George Washington. More specifically, Washington was the first President elected under the U.S. Constitution. He took office on April 30, 1789, in New York City, then the nation’s capital. Washington served two terms (1789-1797) before voluntarily stepping down, establishing the two-term tradition that lasted until Franklin D. Roosevelt.

For the citizenship test, you need to know that George Washington was the first President. Understanding why his presidency was historic helps you appreciate how American government was established.

The Essential Facts

For the citizenship test, remember: George Washington was the first President of the United States under the Constitution.

Washington’s presidency was historic because:

Unanimous Election: Washington received every electoral vote in both the 1789 and 1792 elections. No other president has been elected unanimously.

Established Precedents: As the first president, every action Washington took set precedents for future presidents. He had to invent how the office would work.

Validated the Constitution: Washington’s successful presidency demonstrated that the Constitution could work and that the executive branch would not become tyrannical.

Voluntary Retirement: Washington chose to step down after two terms, establishing the tradition that presidents should not hold power indefinitely.

Why Washington Was Chosen

When the Constitution was ratified in 1788, everyone assumed George Washington would be the first president. His leadership during the Revolutionary War and his presidency of the Constitutional Convention made him the only person with universal trust and respect.

Many Americans worried the presidency might become a monarchy. The Constitution created a strong executive, and some feared this power could be abused. But people trusted Washington. They knew he would not abuse presidential power because he had already demonstrated restraint by resigning as commander of the Continental Army after the war instead of seizing power.

This trust was essential to the Constitution’s ratification. Many states accepted the strong presidency because they knew Washington would wield it first. His character reassured Americans that executive power would be used responsibly.

The 1789 Election

The first presidential election under the Constitution occurred in early 1789. This election worked differently from modern elections:

Electoral College: State legislatures chose electors (only a few states had popular votes). Each elector cast two votes for president. The person with the most votes became president, the second-place finisher became vice president.

No Campaigning: Washington did not campaign or even publicly seek the office. He remained at Mount Vernon while electors voted. This reflected 18th-century beliefs that ambitious office-seeking was undignified.

Unanimous Result: Every elector cast one vote for Washington, giving him all 69 electoral votes (the maximum possible). John Adams received the second-most votes and became vice president.

Delayed Start: The Constitution mandated the new government begin on March 4, 1789. But not enough members of Congress arrived to form a quorum until April. Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, nearly two months late.

Washington’s unanimous election reflected universal recognition that he was the only person who could successfully launch the new government.

Washington’s First Term (1789-1793)

Washington’s first term established how the presidency would work:

Forming the Cabinet: Washington appointed department heads and began meeting with them regularly as a group. This created the Cabinet system still used today. His first Cabinet included Thomas Jefferson (State), Alexander Hamilton (Treasury), Henry Knox (War), and Edmund Randolph (Attorney General).

Establishing Presidential Dignity: Washington set standards for how presidents should behave. He insisted on respect for the office while avoiding royal pretensions. He chose “Mr. President” as the proper title, rejecting grander options like “His Highness.”

Exercising Executive Power: Washington actively led the government, signing bills, vetoing legislation he thought unconstitutional, appointing officials, and conducting foreign policy. He demonstrated that the president was a real executive, not merely a figurehead.

Handling Conflicts: Washington’s Cabinet contained strong personalities who disagreed sharply, particularly Hamilton and Jefferson. Washington listened to both sides but made his own decisions, showing how presidents could manage internal disputes.

Establishing Neutrality: When war broke out between Britain and France in 1793, Washington declared American neutrality despite pressure to support France. This established that presidents could make foreign policy decisions even when controversial.

Washington’s first term showed the presidency could be powerful yet constitutional, dignified yet republican, and effective yet limited.

Washington’s Second Term (1793-1797)

Washington reluctantly agreed to serve a second term. He wanted to retire but felt duty required continued service while the nation remained unstable.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Western Pennsylvania farmers rebelled against federal whiskey taxes. Washington personally led federal troops to suppress the rebellion, demonstrating that the new government could enforce laws. He then pardoned most rebels, showing mercy alongside strength.

Jay Treaty (1795): Washington supported this controversial treaty with Britain that resolved outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War. The treaty was unpopular but avoided war with Britain. Washington demonstrated presidential leadership by supporting an unpopular but necessary policy.

Farewell Address (1796): Washington announced he would not seek a third term in a public letter. His Farewell Address warned against political parties, sectionalism, and permanent foreign alliances. This address influenced American politics for generations.

Peaceful Transfer (1797): Washington voluntarily transferred power to John Adams, his elected successor. This peaceful transfer was unprecedented and essential to republican government.

The Two-Term Tradition

Washington’s decision to step down after two terms established a powerful precedent. The Constitution contained no term limits. Washington could have remained president as long as he lived and remained popular. But he believed leaders in a republic should not cling to power indefinitely.

Every president followed Washington’s example until Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR won four elections (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944) serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. After FDR, the Twenty-Second Amendment (1951) made the two-term limit constitutional law.

Washington’s voluntary retirement demonstrated that American presidents would peacefully transfer power to successors. This made American democracy viable and inspired democratic movements worldwide.

Precedents Washington Established

Washington set numerous precedents that shaped the presidency:

Cabinet System: Meeting regularly with department heads for advice became standard practice.

Executive Authority: Presidents have significant independent power to execute laws and conduct foreign policy.

Neutrality Proclamation: Presidents can declare American neutrality in foreign conflicts.

Veto Power: Presidents can veto legislation, and Washington used this power when he believed bills were unconstitutional.

Appointments: Presidents nominate Cabinet members and judges with Senate confirmation.

State of the Union: Presidents regularly report to Congress on the state of the nation (Washington delivered this in person).

Presidential Dignity: Presidents should be respected but not treated as royalty.

Two Terms: Presidents should serve at most two terms before retiring.

These precedents became constitutional customs that defined how the presidency operates.

Washington’s Challenges

Washington faced serious challenges as first president:

Partisan Conflict: Political parties (Federalists and Republicans) emerged despite Washington’s opposition. He struggled to remain above partisan division.

Economic Problems: The nation carried heavy war debt. Alexander Hamilton’s controversial financial plans divided the Cabinet and nation.

Foreign Policy Pressures: Britain and France both wanted American support. Maintaining neutrality while both powers pressured America required diplomatic skill.

Western Tensions: Native American conflicts and disputed western territories created ongoing problems.

Institutional Development: Every aspect of government had to be created from scratch—administrative procedures, diplomatic protocols, military organization, financial systems.

Washington navigated these challenges with general success, though partisan conflict frustrated him greatly.

Historical Significance

Washington’s presidency validated the Constitution and established that republican government could work on a large scale. His successful administration demonstrated that:

Strong executives need not be tyrannical: Presidential power could be exercised vigorously yet constitutionally.

Peaceful transfers of power are possible: Elected leaders could voluntarily relinquish authority.

Republican character matters: Presidential integrity and self-restraint protect against power abuse.

Constitutional government can be effective: The Constitution’s structure of separated powers and checks and balances could govern successfully.

Without Washington’s successful presidency, the Constitution might have failed in practice even if sound in theory. His leadership made the Constitution work.

Connections That Matter

Understanding Washington as first president connects to the Constitution. The presidency had to be invented in practice, not just designed on paper. Washington’s actions gave meaning to Article II’s outline of executive power.

Washington’s presidency relates to separation of powers and checks and balances. He worked with Congress and respected judicial independence while asserting executive authority. His example showed how the three branches could cooperate while checking each other.

Washington also connects to presidential power and precedent. Future presidents built on Washington’s foundation. His precedents shaped expectations about how presidents should behave and what authority they possess.

For more on Washington, see our article on “Father of Our Country” in the uscis-questions category. To understand the presidency, read about what the President does and presidential powers. To learn about early American government, explore articles on the founding era.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

Was Washington really first, or was there a president before?
Washington was the first president under the Constitution. Before the Constitution, the nation operated under the Articles of Confederation, which had a “President of Congress” who presided over meetings but was not an executive. Washington was the first true president with executive authority.

Why did Washington accept the presidency?
Duty. He wanted to retire to Mount Vernon but felt obligated to serve. Everyone agreed he was the only person who could successfully launch the new government.

Did Washington make mistakes as president?
Yes. He struggled with partisan conflict and sometimes seemed to favor Federalists over Republicans. His administration’s handling of western Native American conflicts was often harsh. But his overall leadership was successful.

How much was Washington paid?
$25,000 per year, a very large salary in 1789 (equivalent to hundreds of thousands today). Washington initially wanted to serve without salary but Congress insisted on payment to establish precedent that presidents would be compensated.

Did Washington ever visit all the states?
He visited all states that existed during his presidency, traveling extensively despite difficult transportation. These presidential tours helped build national unity and allowed Washington to observe conditions throughout the country.

What did Washington do after his presidency?
He retired to Mount Vernon and managed his plantation. He lived only two years after leaving office, dying in December 1799 at age 67.

Did Washington choose his successor?
Not officially, though he clearly supported John Adams. Washington avoided publicly endorsing Adams to maintain neutrality, but his preference was known.

How many people voted in Washington’s elections?
Very few. Most electors were chosen by state legislatures, not popular vote. In states with popular votes, only property-owning men could vote. Turnout was low by modern standards.

Could Washington have been president for life?
Legally yes, since the Constitution contained no term limits. Politically yes, since he remained popular. But Washington chose to retire after two terms, establishing the tradition of limited presidential tenure.

What should I memorize for the citizenship test?
George Washington was the first President of the United States. He served from 1789 to 1797. He established important precedents and demonstrated that the Constitution could work. This is sufficient for the test.